The Fermanagh Trust is recruiting local young people aged 16-25 to take part in its Fermanagh Young Leaders’ Forum.

Young people will work as a team to negotiate, promote and develop the systems and processes necessary to provide funding for local projects, addressing what they believe are the key issues facing young people in their community.

With more than 20 years’ experience in managing various funds, the Fermanagh Trust is handing over the reins to young people in order to develop leadership, build capacity among the young leaders and create opportunities for local groups to receive funding and engage in community action.

As a result of participating in the six-month programme, apprentices will develop a wide variety of skills and experience.

This is Fermanagh Trust’s third year of facilitating the Forum. Previous young leaders have awarded thousands of pounds to a number of local innovative projects, making a difference and empowering young people.

This included Irvinestown’s 6th Fermanagh Scout Group, which used its award to provide a summer programme of improving physical and mental wellbeing through providing a series of water-based activities, including canoeing and kayaking.

Sonya Johnston, Deputy Director of the Fermanagh Trust, said: “This is a chance to learn new skills, have fun and make a difference in your community.

“If you’re aged 16-25 in Fermanagh, have a genuine interest in developing your leadership skills and confidence, or you want something unique to put on your CV/uni application, do get in touch with us.”

She added: “Our last team of young leaders clearly benefitted hugely from the programme and, as a result of their participation, they provided local projects with much needed funding.

“This is why we are running this programme – to invest in our future community leaders, rather than simply give the money out ourselves.

“Listen to the young people, because they are the experts, they know what issues need addressing; we need to assist them to use their voice and influence decisions which affect them.

“We need to empower them to lead and shape change for themselves and future generations. We’re very much looking forward to working with a new team soon.”

Fermanagh Young Leaders’ Forum will commence in October and end next March, meeting once a week in Fermanagh House, Enniskillen. The closing date for those who would like to join the programme is Thursday, September 29.

For further information or to apply to join the programme, see www.fermanaghtrust.org

Fermanagh Young Leaders’ Forum is part of a wider £500,000 investment from The National Lottery Community Fund.